More Than 8,300 Workers Apply for Benefits During First Three Months of Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will remain stable for the next 10 years, according to a new state actuarial report. PFML, which became law in 2023, is a new statewide program that provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical, parental, family care, military family or safe leave.

The PFML program began accepting claims on March 30, 2026, and began paying benefits on May 1, 2026. The initial claims report covers the program's first three months of claims activity, from March 30 through June 30, 2026. Future claims reports will be published annually and will cover a full year of claims activity.

Highlights of the reports include:

• The PFML Trust Fund remains solvent and based on updated revenue and claim expenditure, is projected to remain stable for the next 10 years. 
• The program received 8,376 applications between March 30 and June 30, 2026.
• Among the claims approved, medical leave was the most common reason, followed by welcoming a new child and caring for a family member.

"We are excited to see the PFML Program effectively off the ground and helping Maine workers and businesses through life's big moments, both now and for years to come," said PFML Director Luke Monahan.

More information on the PFML program, including how to apply, can be found on the program's website: https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/.